TOOLS THAT HOMEOWNERS CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

Purchasing a home is an amazing milestone that most people aspire to, however owning a property comes with certain additional responsibilities such as home maintenance. To ensure that the value of the home is protected and that the occupants of the home remain safe, home maintenance is an extremely important aspect that every homeowner will be required to do at some point.

Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says that while home maintenance is a very necessary part of home ownership, it does not have to cost the homeowner a lot of money, provided of course that they have a reasonable amount of know-know and some basic but vital tools around the house. “There are a few tools that every homeowner should have to ensure that they can tackle the general and basic maintenance tasks that may be required of them,” says Goslett.

He provides homeowners with a list of some very helpful tools that should be kept in the home:

Screwdrivers

Homeowners will find that there are very few maintenance tasks that don’t require a screwdriver in some way. Whether tightening a loose fixture, removing a light-covering to replace a lightbulb or assembling a new piece of furniture, a screwdriver is an essential tool that every homeowner will need to use at some stage. “It is advisable to have both flathead and Philips-head screwdrivers in an array of sizes. A complete set is relatively inexpensive, but will soon be regarded as an item that cannot be lived without,” says Goslett.

Hammer

Another absolute must have for a homeowner’s toolbox is a good hammer. This comes particularly in handy when wanting to hang picture frames or photos. When considering purchasing a hammer, the best and most versatile option is one with a claw head and anti-vibration rubber grip.

A utility knife

Sometimes also known as a Stanley knife or box cutter, this tool is great for moving home and opening well taped-up boxes. Most utility knives will have a retractable blade so that they can be stored or carried safely.

Another excellent knife to have in the house is a putty knife, which is the ideal tool for replacing a broken window pane – an absolute necessity for families with small boys.

A spirit or wall level

Owning a wall level takes the guesswork out of hanging shelving or artwork on a level plane. While an experienced eye will be able to hang items fairly well, a wall level will ensure that the piece of art or shelf is perfectly even on the first try.

Measuring tape

Goslett says that knowing how big a certain area in the home is before purchasing an appliance or item of furniture will save much frustration. “Often homeowners need to know how wide or long an area is before they purchase something to fit into that specific space – a measuring tape is the ideal tool to make this an accurate exercise,” says Goslett.

Measuring tapes come in various lengths from 3 metres upwards. While a 3 metre tape is perfect for most jobs around the home, a 5 metre measuring tape will allow homeowners to accurately measure bigger spaces.

Flashlight

Given the fact that most South Africans will continue to experience regular power outages for the foreseeable future, a durable, good-quality flashlight as well as extra batteries is a must for every household. “Aside from the effects of loadshedding, a flashlight is also extremely handy when working on repairs in tighter and darker areas around the home. Hybrid versions, which use solar power or are rechargeable, are more expensive an the outset but will save the homeowner on batteries over the long term,” says Goslett.

An adjustable wrench and pliers

Owning an adjustable wrench means being able to tackle several maintenance jobs with only one tool. Pliers are also a must have for every homeowner – the best option is a pair with serrated jaws which allow for better grip.

Toolbox

Lastly, a homeowner will require somewhere to keep the tools, such as an easy-to-carry toolbox. Keeping all the most commonly used tools in one place makes it easier to find and store.

“Having the right tools for any job and being prepared, will make the job at hand far easier to overcome,” Goslett concludes.